Latino Community Pedals For Immigration Reform

Latino Community Pedals For Immigration Reform

A group of people are pedaling to Washington, D.C. in hopes of bringing awareness to immigration reform.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -Francisco Diaz has been in the U.S. for 14 years. He has been married to a U.S. citizens for 12 years, but he is still considered an illegal immigrant.

That is why he has decided to pedal for immigration reform. He left his home in Homestead, FL., on March 2, with plans to bike to Washington D.C. to meet with President Obama.

"This is why I have this pencil for the President," said Diaz. "Because he can sign the power to stop and end to deportation."

Diaz met up with a group of cyclists in Warner Robins Monday. They believe if they live and work in the U.S., for years they should be considered United States Citizens.

Jose Luis was among the group, he lives and works in construction and is a legal resident. He said he is learning a lot from Diaz.

"We get more support from him and he gives us more power to show us something like, he always say if he can do it everybody can do it," said Luis. "So we're so happy about that."

Congressman Austin Scott was not in his office but Diaz and his group did speak with one of his representatives, Donovan Head.

"I am really happy because he received us very nicely," said Diaz. "I tried to make an appointment for the next time, to these people, to speak with the congressman to get us support for immigration reform and also to stop deportation."

"I feel comfortable because I expected something else different but he showed us the respect and that's what we like," said Luis. "The thing that he listened to us is really nice. That's why we so happy everybody because they received us."

Diaz says he wants to bring attention to immigration reform because eventually illegal immigrants will cost taxpayers even more money, rather than allowing them work legally and pay taxes.

"The immigration system is broken so this is why they need to work together, republicans and democrats working together with the President because his hands are tied," said Diaz.